WAUSAU, Wis. – Charles Matthew "Charlie" Evans, 73, of Marenisco, Mich., died late Monday evening, June 25, 2012, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital in Wausau, of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Highway M28 near Bergland, Mich.

Chuck was born on Oct. 20, 1938, in Ecorse, Wayne County, Mich., the son of Charles Calahan and Grace Matilda (Beaubien) Evans.

On Dec. 5, 1955, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps.

After his honorable discharge, Chuck returned home and worked for his brother, Art, as a plasterer's laborer.

He then went to work for Wabash Railroad in Melvindale, Mich., which merged with Norfolk & Western Railroad, serving that company for nine years. Chuck also worked for his good friend, Jerry Cole, as an automobile mechanic at a gas station in Taylor, Mich.

He relocated to Metamora, Mich., and was employed by Metamora Industries as a yard and delivery man. For nine years, Chuck served as a volunteer fireman for the Metamora Fire Department.

He later was employed as a machine builder at Schreiber Manufacturing in Clawson, Mich.

After getting injured at work, Chuck and his family moved to Marenisco to be close to his sister, June Deacon.

To keep busy, he worked odd jobs doing electrical, plumbing and woodworking. Chuck also worked part-time at Bessemer Small Engine. He was currently serving as a volunteer fireman for the Marenisco Fire Department.

A man who never sat still, Chuck enjoyed his coffee, talking with everyone and meeting new people. He always said he never met a stranger.

At home, Chuck continuously worked on anything and fixed everything. Lately, his grandsons kept him busy repairing all the toys that they broke. Chuck said it was a full time job!

Let's not forget what Chuck loved doing the most, riding his "Hardley A Davidson" motorcycle.


Chuck is survived by his wife of 33 years (Chuck would say 34), LaRae, Marenisco; seven children, Linda Reeve, Riverview, Mich., Sheila Cole, Allen Park, Mich., Kurt Evans, Waterford, Mich., Tina Egan, Sterling Heights, Mich., Kimberly (Matt) Sartwell, Howell, Mich., Stephen Walker, of Texas, and Chyanne (Donald "Tuffy") Plonsky, Wakefield, Mich.; 14 grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers and sisters; and two close friends, Bill Roland and Jeff Yakobics.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Marenisco Town Hall. The Rev. Roy Speck will officiate. Following the service, military rites will be accorded by the Marenisco American Legion Post 523, the Wakefield American Legion Post 11 and the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 Honor Guards.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to his family, c/o LaRae Evans, P.O. Box 106, Marenisco MI 49947.

The memory of Chuck will never be lost to those who were lucky enough to know him.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel of Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.